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Decarbonisation Strategies in Energy Systems Modelling: APV and e-tractors as Flexibility Assets
(2023)
This work presents an analysis of the impact of introducing Agrophotovoltaic technologies and electric tractors into Germany’s energy system. Agrophotovoltaics involves installing photovoltaic systems in agricultural areas, allowing for dual usage of the land for both energy generation and food production. Electric tractors, which are agricultural machinery powered by electric motors, can also function as energy storage units, providing flexibility to the grid. The analysis includes a sensitivity study to understand how the availability of agricultural land influences Agrophotovoltaic investments, followed by the examination of various scenarios that involve converting diesel tractors to electric tractors. These scenarios are based on the current CO2 emission reduction targets set by the German Government, aiming for a 65% reduction below 1990 levels by 2030 and achieving zero emissions by 2045. The results indicate that approximately 3% of available agricultural land is necessary to establish a viable energy mix in Germany. Furthermore, the expansion of electric tractors tends to reduce the overall system costs and enhances the energy-cost-efficiency of Agrophotovoltaic investments.
This research presents a comprehensive exploration of hydroponic systems and their practical applications, with a focus on innovative solutions for managing environmental and analytical sensors in hydroponic setups. Hydroponic systems, which enable soilless cultivation, have gained increasing importance in modern agriculture due to their resource-efficient and high-yield nature.
The study delves into the development and deployment of the SensVert system, an adaptable solution tailored for hydroponic environments. SensVert offers adaptability and accessibility to farmers across various agricultural domains, addressing contemporary challenges in supervising and managing environmental and analytical sensors within hydroponic setups. Leveraging LoRa technology for seamless wireless data transmission, SensVert empowers users with a feature-rich dashboard for real-time monitoring and control. The study showcases the practical implementation of SensVert through a single sensor node, seamlessly integrating temperature, humidity, pressure, light, and pH sensors. The system automates pH regulation, employing the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, and precisely controls liquid dosing using a PID controller. At the core of SensVert lies an architecture comprising The Things Stack as the network server, Node-Red as the application server, and Grafana as the user interface. These components synergize within a local network hosted on a Raspberry Pi; effectively mitigating challenges associated with data packet transmission in areas with limited internet connectivity.
As part of ongoing research, this work also paves the way for future advancements. These include the establishment of a wireless sensor network (WSN) utilizing LoRa technology, enabling seamless over-the-air sensor node updates for maintenance or replacement scenarios. These enhancements promise to further elevate the system's reliability and functionality within hydroponic cultivation, fostering sustainable agricultural practices.